Copper Imitation of Follis of Herakleios, Manbij 638 - 641

Curator: This object is a copper imitation of a follis of Herakleios, crafted by Abd-al-Malik of the Umayyad dynasty. Editor: It looks quite worn, doesn't it? Gives it a sense of tangible history. Curator: Indeed. The materiality speaks volumes about the production of such currency in Manbij; the labor of crafting these from copper reflects a localized economy. Editor: Considering the socio-political context of the Umayyad dynasty adopting and adapting Byzantine coinage, it highlights a pivotal moment in the region's history. The very act of imitation speaks to shifting power dynamics. Curator: Precisely! The material choice underscores the cost, the distribution, and perhaps even the intended audience. A study of wear patterns could reveal much about circulation. Editor: Seeing this coin bridges a gap to understanding how these symbols of power were perceived by the public. What a fascinating glimpse into the past.